Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads: Which is Better for Real Estate in Dubai
Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most competitive and lucrative in the world. With a mix of local and international buyers, real estate agents and developers must leverage digital marketing effectively to generate leads and close deals. Two of the most powerful advertising platforms available today are Google Ads and Facebook Ads. But which one works best for real estate in Dubai and the UAE?
In this blog, we’ll compare both platforms based on key factors like targeting, cost, intent, and lead quality to help you decide the best approach for your real estate marketing strategy.
1. Understanding the Platforms
Google Ads (Pay-Per-Click – PPC Advertising)
Google Ads allows real estate businesses to appear at the top of search results when potential buyers or investors search for properties. It is an intent-driven platform, meaning users actively look for real estate solutions when they see your ad.
Key Google Ads Formats for Real Estate:
Search Ads – Text ads that appear on Google’s search results when people search for properties, apartments, or villas in Dubai.
Display Ads – Banner ads that appear across Google’s partner websites.
YouTube Ads – Video ads targeting users based on their interests.
Performance Max – AI-driven campaigns optimizing across Google’s entire network.
Facebook Ads (Social Media Advertising)
Facebook Ads, including Instagram, allow real estate businesses to reach potential buyers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Unlike Google Ads, Facebook Ads are discovery-based, meaning users are not actively searching but may engage if the ad is appealing.
Key Facebook Ads Formats for Real Estate:
Image & Video Ads – Engaging visual ads showcasing properties.
Carousel Ads – Multiple property listings in a single ad.
Lead Ads – Forms directly within Facebook to capture leads without users leaving the platform.
Stories & Reels Ads – Short-form video ads on Facebook & Instagram Stories.
2. Comparison: Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads for Dubai Real Estate
| Feature | Google Ads | Facebook Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Intent | High (users actively searching) | Low to Medium (users browse & discover properties) |
| Targeting | Keywords, location, device, and demographics | Interests, behaviors, and lookalike audiences |
| Ad Cost | Higher cost per click (CPC) | Lower cost per thousand impressions (CPM) |
| Lead Quality | High-quality leads (more ready to buy) | Varies (some leads are just exploring) |
| Best Use Case | Generating hot leads, search-based marketing | Branding, retargeting, and visual engagement |
3. Which Works Better for Dubai Real Estate?
When to Use Google Ads:
✅ If you are targeting high-intent buyers actively searching for properties in Dubai.
✅ When focusing on specific property searches like “luxury apartments in Downtown Dubai” or “villas in Palm Jumeirah.”
✅ For quick lead conversions, especially for high-ticket real estate projects.
When to Use Facebook Ads:
✅ If you want to build brand awareness and engage potential buyers who may not yet be actively searching.
✅ When targeting expats and international investors who frequently use social media.
✅ For remarketing campaigns, targeting users who have visited your website but haven’t inquired yet.
4. Cost Comparison: Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads in UAE
Dubai’s real estate market is highly competitive, making advertising costs relatively higher than in other industries.
Google Ads: The cost per click (CPC) for real estate keywords in Dubai can range from AED 5 – AED 30, depending on competition.
Facebook Ads: The cost per thousand impressions (CPM) in the UAE typically ranges from AED 10 – AED 50, with lead forms costing between AED 20 – AED 100 per lead.
Tip: Running both platforms together can be highly effective – using Google Ads to capture intent-based searches and Facebook Ads to retarget those users and build trust.
5. The Winning Strategy: Combining Google Ads & Facebook Ads
To maximize your real estate marketing results in Dubai and the UAE, the best approach is an integrated strategy:
Use Google Ads to capture hot leads searching for real estate properties.
Run Facebook Ads to retarget those leads with engaging property visuals.
Leverage YouTube Ads for brand awareness among high-net-worth investors.
Optimize landing pages to improve lead conversions from both platforms.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
If you want high-intent leads ready to buy, Google Ads is the better choice.
If you need to build awareness and engage new buyers, Facebook Ads works best.
For maximum impact, use both platforms strategically together.
By leveraging Google Ads and Facebook Ads the right way, real estate agents, real estate digital marketing experts developers in Dubai can drive better leads, higher conversions, and ultimately more property sales.
Need help setting up your real estate ad campaigns? Get in touch today and let’s create a winning strategy for your business!
Nithin Dinesh is a Digital Marketing Expert with over a decade of experience. He specializes in Digital Marketing for industries like Real Estate, Ecommerce etc. With a decade of experience in digital marketing, Nithin Dinesh has helped countless real estate professionals, brokers and companies drive business growth through targeted online strategies. Specializing in lead generation, SEO, and social media marketing, Nithin’s expertise is focused on delivering measurable results in a competitive market. Passionate about helping clients thrive in the digital landscape, Nithin shares his insights and industry trends to empower real estate businesses to succeed.